Han Kyu-seol

Han Kyu-seol (29 February 1848 – 22 September 1930) was a prime minister of Korean Empire when the Japan–Korea Treaty of 1905 was signed. Han opposed the treaty, but failed to prevent it from being signed.

Biography
Han was born on 29 February 1848 in Seoul. In his youth, Han passed the Gwageo's military examination, and was appointed as the commander of army of the in Gyeongsang-right province. After serving at various posts, Han was appointed as Mayor of Seoul in 1887. Later in 1896, he was promoted to Minister of Law.

When the Independence Club was formed, Han demonstrated favor for the liberal political party; he was appointed as the Speaker of the National Assembly when the People's Joint Association was at its peak. To soothe the disgruntled public after arresting 17 leaders of the Independence club, Emperor Gojong appointed Han as the chief judge of the court. Han delivered the arrested leaders light punishments. However as the Imperial government disbanded the Independence Club, Han was subsequently ousted from his position.

After the proclamation of the Korean Empire, Han served within various political posts. On 15 February 1902, Han was appointed as Minister of Law. On 27 August 1905, Han was appointed as the prime minister, and Lieutenant General of the army on 8 November 1905. As the prime minister of Korea, Han was firmly opposed the Eulsa Treaty. Initially all of the ministers were against signing the treaty. Pak Chesoon, who was the Minister of Foreign Affairs, declared that he would rather commit suicide if Japan forced him to sign the treaty. However, when Han was locked in a closet at Jungmyeongjeon by Japanese troops and under threat of execution, the remaining ministers fearing similar treatment, signed the treaty. Ye Wanyong, Yi Ji-yong, and Gwon Jung-hyeon were the first to change their stance. After the Eulsa treaty was signed, Han made several attempts to annul the treaty but lacked the political power to do so, as he was previously dismissed from the position as prime minister. After the treaty of 1905 was signed, Han, as well as Five Eulsa Traitors, were the target of public resentment. Choe Ik-hyeon wrote that Han was at great fault for the ratification of the treaty.

After the annexation of Korea, the Japanese Government awarded Han the title of Baron but he refused. In 1920, Han established the Joseon Education Organization with Yi Sang-jae, which was later transformed into the Minrip Deahak Gisunghui. He died on 22 September 1930 in Cheongju City.

On 17 March 1977, Han's house became officially recognized a cultural property within Seoul.

Family

 * Father
 * Han Seung-ryeol
 * Sibling(s)
 * Older brother - Han Gyu-jik
 * Younger brother - Han Jin-ho
 * Unnamed wife
 * Issue
 * Son - Han Yang-ho
 * Daughter - Lady Han of the Cheongju Han clan
 * Daughter - Lady Han of the Cheongju Han clan
 * Daughter - Lady Han of the Cheongju Han clan

Honours
Korean Empire


 * Order of the Palgwae 1st Class